Quote from Rylentlar >>

"Hi, sorry to but in, but there is a mindflayer menace moving to control the Myconids to the east, if it gets a foothold there will be no chance to stop it taking over the area and ruining your little business here. For your sake and ours, please be reasonable."

Tori says to the Mephit

Persuasion: 20 (in game log)

 
Krakel pats Tori on the back casting guidance on her (persuasion skill), while saying “That’s an excellent point to make. This is a threat to the whole world/area.” 

(I went ahead and rolled the d4 in game log adding 4 to her persuasion attempt, 24 total.)

“Oh oh uh illithids are bad for business… explains why the nasty rot shrooms have been dormant.  Oh ah I don’t know, can your group really kill a mind flayer really?  Oh crap you’re the best shot we have.  Don’t make me regret this!  Take any two of these things here I’m keeping one for myself.  Just a loan, if you like it we’ll see about a payment option.  Ok ok choose and go kill the flayer or never come back!”

The mephit’s body is randomly growing icy spikes and cold is rolling off its body (nervous).

The ships delegates are watching your interaction and whispering to each other wringing their hands.  “This little dealer may have what we need for the Lady Saradie.  An illithid is too much for you four though… do you think this is something you can do?  I can’t believe it but this is our greatest opportunity yet.”

"The control pendant and the automaton are one item yes?" *Tori says confidently* "I think the ring of mind shielding and the automaton are or greatest shot. Most likely one of us wearing both so the mind flayer can't control the thing through one of us. What do you all think?"

Quote from Rylentlar >>

"The control pendant and the automaton are one item yes?" *Tori says confidently* "I think the ring of mind shielding and the automaton are or greatest shot. Most likely one of us wearing both so the mind flayer can't control the thing through one of us. What do you all think?"

 
“It definitely seems like the guardian would be helpful. It’s even big enough Magoo or Lyra could probably ride it like a mount, haha.!” Krakel replies. “If I am remembering our studies in school on magical items correctly, I’m not sure that the “mind shielding ring” would actually protect against mind control. I believe it just keeps creatures from reading our minds, and I’m not sure if that is a major problem or not.“

”I wonder if the magic missile pistol might be able to blast right through the Illthids defenses from a pretty long distance before we even engage it up close. Those missiles do direct damage.” Kraken adds. “These items seem like they could suit 2 of you well.” 

Turning to the diplomats, “Do you really fear our ability to conquer this challenge, Apollo is with us he shall guide our actions against this foul beast. I only wish the armory had contained some stronger armor. When we came on the Lady Saradie I only packed my traveling armor. Now it sure would be helpful to have my trusty old plate again.”

"Oh good catch. I was just going by the title. I still like not having my thoughts read, but you're probably right that the weapon would be more useful. I can probably make plate armor for you with time and material" Tori mentions

To the diplomats, “Now is as good a time as any to deal with the mindflayer. We can and will do it.” 

To his companions, “The magic missile pistol and automaton sound perfect. Although I’m not sure I would like to ride on it. If we can, I’d like a good night’s sleep before venturing back in. To be all rested and rejuvenated and all that.”

To the mephit, “Thank you for helping us defeat a common enemy. I hope there is additional business you can do with us,” gesturing to the diplomats who appear to have found some good stuff for themselves. 

Long Rest-

What looks like a command is cleared of ice, chairs broken fixtures and random dim blinking lights even a humming sound creates a lulling environment in which to rest…

After a handful of hours the time to head back comes around the laborers and diplomats have ventured to return to the Saradie.

Whomever controls the (shield guardian) cyborg gets a binding sense of what it can do…

Whomever takes the laser pistol may fire 1,2,or 3 (laser shots) at 1,2,or 3 targets 3x per rest.

The way back is quiet ominous as you arrive back at the tunnel entrance the 2 enhanced Hadozee are waiting

(So meta speaking, who should take which gear? I’m inclined to think the pistol should go to one of the stealthy people to maybe sneak up and blast with to weaken it from the start. the guardian might be most helpful to Magoo or Tori as they are both melee focused it seems like it could help tank hits and defend them. I’m totally open to whatever though.)

(Purely Meta, the fact the guardian stores spells would probably make it best for Tori especially since I'll be trying to draw reactions with Tori's boots. But also Krakel storing more spells might be best. I'm good with either, but have plans on how to use it if you'll let me. 

From an in character perspective...) 

Tori looks at the amulet and the pistol. "What do we do with these, who wants to control the guardian? I don't want the pistol, I like to use my hands"

{Who is proficient with pistol? If it's treated as a reskinned bow, Lyra would be the most accurate. But she'd have a decent chance to hit even without her archery bonus as long as she's proficient. Also, can it be used to fire 3 shots at one target?}

Quote from JSenecal >>

{Who is proficient with pistol? If it's treated as a reskinned bow, Lyra would be the most accurate. But she'd have a decent chance to hit even without her archery bonus as long as she's proficient. Also, can it be used to fire 3 shots at one target?}

Yes same as magic missile spell.  Auto hit, force damage.

After some discussion Krakel would propose, “Well then if it suits everyone Tori why don’t you take control of this cyborg. May it be a perfect dance partner for you to help conquer our enemies and defend the group.” 

“ Lyra I agree that you are likely to be the most accurate with the ranged attacks, so the pistol would be well fit for your trained hands.” 

While we are still at the mouth of the cave Krakel  burns a small offering to Apollo and gives a prayer for blessing and safety through the groups challenge ahead.  “May our aim be steady, may our fists strike fiercely, let our feet move true, and our focus stay clear, Let your blessings fall on us like rays of sun! We shall bring the light of a new dawn to these Illithid tormentors.”

As Krakel finishes his prayer the blue sun just lines up shining directly down the crevasse, the clouds pass bathing the party in light.  The tunnel looks pitch black in comparison.  It seems the umberhulk body has been cleared away… 

Your hadozee escorts turn and enter the tunnel.